“The industry stands on the brink of a major turning point in wireless technology. In the past decade we’ve made tremendous strides to improve communication, streamline efficiencies and get the job done for less. Those are sound qualities of an industry leader and the ones you’d expect me to tout. But there’s something the Francesco Company and Mitus Conglomerate have that MobiCom does not. You won’t find it in any of the quarterly reports. It’s not discussed at executive meetings or amongst the board of directors. It can’t be bought and not even MobiCom can steal it, like they’re trying to do with Crockett Boxes.” He paused. “That all-important quality is heart.”
As the room became pin-drop quiet, Brigit caressed her sling, trying to soothe the throbbing pain in her arm. Her heart filled with pride. That man was the real deal. Her parents would have adored him. Her eyes stung and she swallowed down the emotion.
“In a landscape where market trends rule, churning out better-than-expected earnings reports is the difference between corporate life and death, and being second equates to losing.Heartis not a quality organizations brag about having because it’s not tough.”
Colton scanned the audience as if searching for someone and her heart picked up speed.
“Many believe a company oozing heart can’t possibly be competitive.” A knowing smile spread across Colton’s face. “But that’s where organizations like MobiCom fail. It’s their Achilles heel. While Francesco and Mitus conduct business with heart, we aren’t going to roll over and allow a bully like MobiCom to waltz in at the eleventh hour and take our innovation away from us.” Colton’s eyes narrowed. “We’re too damned smart to let them dictate our future.”
Several in the audience clapped.
“Six years ago I took an avid interest in the success of the Francesco Company. Over the years I’ve remained anchored to this organization. Why would a corporate investor like myself choose one company over the tens of dozens I do business with annually? At their core, Francesco employees and shareholders have heart. Even today, Nicholas and Samantha’s only child, Eve Francesco, is the embodiment of that winning quality.”
Oh, God, he must hate me.Brigit’s heart ached.
Again, he scanned the crowd. This time he found her. Even across that large room his intensity and strength stilled her.He’s the love of my life and I’ve lost him.
“And now, I’m honored to introduce you to the true face of Francesco. After too many years, Nick and Sammy’s daughter has finally come home. Please help me welcome Eve Francesco.” With his signature smile, he flipped his gaze to the back of the room. “Eve, please join me.”
Brigit swayed as the room went all wobbly then her heart took off like a locomotive speeding down the tracks.
Chad grabbed her elbow and steadied her. “You okay?”
“I will be. Excuse me. I have to join Colton on stage.” Chad gaped as she set off down the center aisle.
Halfway down, a hand shot out. “Good to see you, Eve.” Jimmy from accounting pumped her hand. “Make us proud.”
I can do this.
Mrs. Mic stood like a beacon as Brigit stepped onstage. Marjorie hugged her and whispered, “Bury Montgomery.”
“Over the years, her commitment to Francesco never waned, even when life threw her unexpected curveballs,” Colton said. “Doing what’s best for Francesco has kept her moving forward. Welcome back, Eve.”
As Brigit walked to the podium, Colton turned and extended his hand. Everything was happening fast, yet things were moving in slow motion. Their hands connected and a bolt of energy surged up her arm, straight to her heart. She gazed into his eyes. Doing right by this man took center stage.
He pulled her close. “Shut MobiCom down.”
The intensity in his eyes and the determination in his voice snapped her out of her daze. He needed this. Mrs. Mic expected this. The employees of Francesco deserved this. She’d been working towardthismoment for six long years.
Time to rock this.
She took the podium. “Thank you, Colton.” Pausing, she smiled at the audience. “Hello, Francesco. Being home feelsgreat.”
Sparse applause filled the room.
“Colton is right. Francesco has heart, but what’s a heart without a soul? Having a conscience and doing the right thing can be tricky in today’s business climate. Outperforming last quarter’s bottom line, exceeding shareholders’ expectations and driving business forward is stressful and demanding. I’m not saying those qualities are inherently wrong. They’re not. But what MobiCom is doing is deceitful and underhanded. If MobiCom wins, we’re applauding their efforts, handing over a lifetime of effort and telling the wireless community, along with the business world at large, that working without a heart or a soul is acceptable. Never mind having a moral compass. Let’s bully our way in, throw a little money around and make room for the new sheriff.”
Her jitters settled down and she took a calming breath.
“After my parents’ tragic deaths, Colton Mitus took the reins and continued pushing the limits. Not only did he carry out their ambitious goals, he exceeded them. They dreamed of taking the company public. He accomplished that in three short years. Nick and Sammy had discussed factory enhancements and improved health benefits for employees. Mitus Conglomerate worked with the Francesco leadership team and made that happen. Francesco has the lowest attrition rate in the wireless industry. Why do you think that is? Francesco employees are valued. They know their contribution makes a difference. And now their time has come to help launch an innovative product that will make them the rock stars of the telecom world.”
A round of cheers rang out and confidence filled her heart. For the first time since she’d lost Francesco she wasn’t worried about failing her parents or even failing Colton. She believed in herself and she’d be damned if she’d fail herself. Her six-year journey would not end in defeat.
“I’m confident Nick and Sammy would have been thrilled that someone as intelligent, passionate and ethically sound as Colton Mitus has made so many strides and had such a positive impact on their organization. While capitalism thrives on competitiveness, what MobiCom is attempting to do goes against everything Francesco stands for. From the inception of Crockett Boxes, Colton chose Francesco as his wireless partner. He believes in Francesco employees and their abilities. Francesco’s factory is poised to manage the increased workload as demand for the product increases. And Francesco stakeholders are ready to manage to the next level of success. MobiCom is counting on us to sell out. I believe in Colton Mitus, in Mitus Conglomerate, and in the long-term partnership between the two companies. Join me. Vote to take Francesco private.”
The audience erupted in applause, some jumping to their feet and cheering.
Marjorie stepped up to the podium. “Thank you, Eve, and thank you, Colton. We now move to the voting portion of today’s meeting. I’d like to invite Francesco’s first daughter to cast her ballot.”
